Amy Parry, 25, is a single parent from Portsmouth. She was
advised by her local Jobcentre Plus to enrol on
learndirect courses to give both herself and her
daughter a better chance in life. She took literacy, numeracy and IT
courses and then an NVQ in Business Administration. Thanks to Amy's new
skills and qualifications she was able to find herself permanent
employment as an administrator.
Amy said:
"Before having a baby I had jobs in retail and at an amusement arcade. When I had Sophie I was receiving benefits but I wanted to be able to support myself. I went to see a lone-parent adviser at my local Jobcentre Plus who encouraged me to take courses with learndirect.
"I wasn't particularly interested in school and I didn't take it very seriously. I wasn't motivated so I didn't reach my full potential. Having Sophie changed my attitude as I had a purpose in life, which was to take care of her.
"I was keen to start the learndirect courses and I felt this was the beginning of a positive path, which would eventually benefit me and my daughter. I began with Literacy and Numeracy Level 2 and once completed, I did an IT ECDL. I hadn't learnt how to use a computer before and this course showed me how to use Excel, Word and PowerPoint properly.
"I found that going into the centre allowed me to concentrate on my work without any distractions. I went three times a week, which was all the time I could afford to put Sophie into a crèche for. I enjoyed learning with learndirect much more than being in a classroom, as I was able to go at my own pace. Listening to the headphones, understanding what was being said and then copying it.
"After completing the basic courses I decided to take a Business Administration NVQ Level 2. This involved me going to a work experience placement twice a week and collecting evidence to showcase what I had been learning. I took this back into the centre once every four weeks. This was valuable experience for me as it was effectively on-the-job-training, at the same time as gaining a recognised qualification.
"Once I had completed my NVQ, I continued attending my work experience placement twice a week whilst looking for permanent work. I felt this would boost my chances with a future employer and keep me feeling confident about my new skills.
"I was nominated for a learndirect Achievement Award and was highly commended in the Progression category. At the award ceremony I met someone who knew of an administration role, not too far from where I lived. I went for an interview and have been there ever since.
"My job is at a boating company and I am really enjoying it. My company is currently putting me through a SAGE course, so that I will be able to look after the accounts as well as the administration.
"I loved doing my courses and I found everyone at learndirect so positive and helpful. My new skills have given me so much more confidence and thanks to learndirect, I now have a permanent job that will provide a better life for me and my daughter."